Water Damage Restoration Cost Guide

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Water damage restoration cost depends mostly on three things: how much of the house got wet, what kind of water it was, and how long it sat. HomeGuide's 2026 national cost guide puts the average job at about $2,000 to $6,000, but a small clean-water leak can be a few hundred dollars and a whole-house sewage or flood loss can run far higher. These are national ranges, not Frisco quotes; use them to judge whether an estimate is in the right ballpark.

Job	Typical range*
Minor clean-water leak, one area (Class 1)	$150 – $500
Significant damage, up to one room or so (Class 2)	$1,500 – $5,000
Extensive damage: walls, ceiling, subfloor in one or more rooms (Class 3)	$5,000 – $15,000
Extraction and drying, clean water (Category 1)	$4 – $6 per sq ft
Extraction and drying, gray water (Category 2)	$6 – $9 per sq ft
Extraction and cleanup, black water / sewage (Category 3)	$9 – $12 per sq ft
Mold remediation (separate licensed contractor)	$15 – $30 per sq ft
Mold inspection	$300 – $650
Drywall replacement after drying	$1.50 – $3.50 per sq ft
Carpet replacement	$2 – $8 per sq ft
Hardwood flooring replacement	$7 – $25 per sq ft

*HomeGuide, Water Damage Restoration Cost (Feb 2026), homeguide.com/costs/water-damage-restoration-cost. National ranges, rounded; not quotes. Your price depends on how much is wet, the water category, what has to be removed and after-hours fees, so get a written estimate before work starts.

What actually drives the price

Water category

Restoration companies sort water into three categories. Category 1 is clean water from a supply line or faucet. Category 2 (gray water) has some contamination, like a washing machine or dishwasher discharge. Category 3 (black water) is sewage, toilet water that's been used, or floodwater from outside. Each step up means more protective gear, more material removed and more cleaning, so the per-square-foot price climbs from about $4–$6 to $9–$12. Clean water left sitting for a few days can be treated as Category 2 or 3.

Class of damage

The class describes how much material is wet and how hard it is to dry, from Class 1 (a small area that absorbed little water) to Class 4 (materials like hardwood, plaster or concrete that hold water deeply). More wet material means more equipment for more days.

Time and access

After-hours and holiday calls often cost more, and wet areas behind cabinets, under tile or in ceilings take more labor to reach. The cheapest job is the one caught early.

Mitigation vs. rebuild

Most estimates come in two parts. Mitigation is the emergency work: extraction, removing wet materials, drying and cleaning. Reconstruction is putting the house back: drywall, paint, baseboards, flooring and cabinets. They may be done by the same company or different ones, and your insurer may handle them as separate estimates. Ask which parts any quote includes.

Plumbing is usually separate

The plumber's bill to fix the leak is separate from the drying bill. For reference, HomeGuide's slab leak guide (Oct 2025) lists about $500–$3,500 for pipe lining, $700–$5,000 for digging and replacing a pipe under the slab, and $3,900–$7,500 for rerouting plumbing.

How to keep the bill down

Stop the water fast and know where your main shutoff is.
Move furniture and rugs off wet floors to limit what gets damaged.
Start drying the same day.
Keep the drying equipment running until the crew says it's done.
Ask for an itemized written estimate, and ask what's included.
Be wary of very low phone quotes; legitimate estimates come after a moisture inspection.

Insurance and your deductible

If your policy covers the loss, the insurer pays the covered amount minus your deductible. In Texas, contractors may not waive, absorb or rebate a deductible, so any company that offers to "cover your deductible" is breaking the law. Contractors also can't negotiate your claim for you; only you, a licensed public adjuster or an attorney can do that. Many restoration companies do bill insurers directly for covered work, which is legal and common.

Questions about price

Why is sewage cleanup so much more expensive?

Category 3 water requires protective equipment, removal and disposal of porous materials it touched, and antimicrobial cleaning, plus drying. That adds labor and materials compared with a clean-water leak.

Do I have to pay the restoration company before insurance pays?

It depends on the company and your claim. Many bill the insurer directly and collect your deductible from you. Ask before work starts and get the payment terms in writing.

Can I get a free estimate?

Many restoration companies inspect and estimate at no charge, but some charge a trip or emergency fee, especially after hours. Ask when you call.

Is it cheaper to dry it myself?

For a small clean-water spill on a hard floor, yes. For wet carpet, walls or ceilings, household fans often leave moisture inside walls and under floors, which can cost more later in mold and replaced materials.